Inn on Blue Ridge Parkway stays open

Published: Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 11:21 AM.

ASHEVILLE — The federal government shutdown has resulted in closure orders for those operating facilities on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

But the operator of the Pisgah Inn says he will remain open despite a shutdown order from the National Park Service.

General manager Rob Miller says he and the owner of the inn decided to stay open after seeing World War II veterans who pushed past barricades to visit their memorial in Washington.

The park service has told those operating concessions along the parkway to close. Parkway Chief Ranger Steve Stinnett says officials in Washington are aware of the plans by Miller and owner Bruce O'Connell. Stinnett says there are discussions about the situation now.

The government owns the building and the land. O'Connell owns Pisgah Inn, Inc.

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ASHEVILLE — The federal government shutdown has resulted in closure orders for those operating facilities on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

But the operator of the Pisgah Inn says he will remain open despite a shutdown order from the National Park Service.

General manager Rob Miller says he and the owner of the inn decided to stay open after seeing World War II veterans who pushed past barricades to visit their memorial in Washington.

The park service has told those operating concessions along the parkway to close. Parkway Chief Ranger Steve Stinnett says officials in Washington are aware of the plans by Miller and owner Bruce O'Connell. Stinnett says there are discussions about the situation now.

The government owns the building and the land. O'Connell owns Pisgah Inn, Inc.